The solemn opening ceremony of the 46th World Chess Olympiad took place in Samarkand, which is being held for the first time in Uzbekistan. This international tournament features renowned coaches, grandmasters, and chess enthusiasts from over 200 countries.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev sent a welcoming address to all guests and competition participants, naming ancient Samarkand a global center of chess. In his address, the head of state emphasized the long-standing traditions of the country's chess school, mentioning that Amir Timur practiced this game, and great Eastern thinkers paid attention to it in the context of spiritual development.
Within the framework of New Uzbekistan, the development of chess has been brought to a systemic level, covering both mahallas and educational institutions. Currently, over 2 million people in the country are involved in chess, with the number of rated players exceeding 6 thousand, and 32 Uzbek citizens have achieved the title of International Grandmaster.
The Uzbekistan national team ranks 8th in the FIDE men's rating among 204 countries, while the women's team is ranked 20th; five leading grandmasters of the republic are among the top hundred strongest chess players in the world.
In addition to the main events of the Olympiad, conditions have been organized in Samarkand for the 3rd Chess Paralyptics Games and the 97th FIDE Congress. The head of state expressed gratitude to the International Chess Federation for the organizational assistance provided, noting that such sporting events contribute to strengthening international friendship and enhancing Uzbekistan's international prestige.